BarryF

Well, I found the steering head VIN. It matches frame rail, JYA1NL000GA000801. I don't know how to attach pictures, or I would. Badge on side bags says "XVZ12", engine compartment cover says "Venture", and dash says "Venture XVZ12". Cosmetically it has every appearance of a 1983-85? But both VINs indicate 1986? And speedometer and odometer read in miles. Still scratching my head...

Wish I could say I was interested. Strange to say, but I don't miss that bike, at least not like the Honda Trail50, Honda XR80, Yamaha 125 Enduro, Honda XT250, and Yamaha 500 I had before it. First, and ONLY real road trip I took with it, 400 miles out, and 400 back, was enough to drop it to the bottom of my list. 2-1/2 gallon tank at 40 mpg, makes for frequent fuel stops. And my 6'2" frame couldn't get comfortable for that long. Usually time erases the negative memories, and makes one wax nostalgic. That bike is my exception...

Thanks Prairiehammer. You are correct about the color. Blue, kinda like lightly faded denim, with a lighter two-tone. All badging says XVZ12. Bags and trunk are removable, with notches in bags where they mount around turn signals. As far as finding the VIN, besides the one on the bottom frame rail, I don't know where to look, or what I might need to remove to find it. The VIN on the title, which matches the bottom, is JYA1NL000GA00081. Does that mean anything to you?

First, an introduction. Super new to the group, glad to see everybody with a common passion! I havent had a bike since I sold my last one (1982 Suzuki GS850L) 26 years ago, to pay for a diamond. Still got the same lady, but now an empty nest. That wonderful woman suggested I start riding again, aint she the greatest? Long story short, I now have a first gen Venture. Runs great, only 24,500 miles. First issue, it did not come with a manual. Found one on ebay, but it talks about options this bike doesn't have, such as radio and onboard compressor for suspension? Second issue is title. Came with clear title, stating it to be a 1986 model, hence 1300. VIN on frame matches title, with manufacture date of 11/85, but all badging and styling indicates the earlier version with removable bags and trunk. Any help out there? Am trying to figure out what the valve stem in the dash is for, just below handlebars and slightly to left side? Fuel gauge is also an issue. Fill it up, and it reads full. Ride 40 miles, it reads empty and the red warning light comes on. Takes less than a gallon to top it off then. Rode almost another 200 miles, and tank held nearly 5 gallons. Obviously not a vanishing fuel issue. Again, any help out there?